IND vs NZ: More match practice could have helped Kohli, feels Kumble

Virat Kohli's issues against spin were once again on display as he was cleaned up Mitchell Santner for just one in the second Test in Pune on October 25 (Friday). Out of 22 innings in home Tests since 2021, Kohli has been dismissed 19 times by a spinner, which is not something you expect from a premier batter like him. Former India captain Anil Kumble has hinted at Kohli perhaps playing an innings or two in domestic cricket to gain some vital match practice, which could have come in handy in the series.

"Perhaps just one or two innings in a match situation could have helped. Being in an actual game is more beneficial than just practice; it gives an upper hand. If he feels that playing earlier would have benefited him, and the team management agrees, then maybe it would have," Kumble said while speaking on Sports18.

Kohli has scored just 606 runs at 28.85 in his 26 Test innings across Asia in the last three years. He has been dismissed by a spinner on 21 occasions in this period. 

In the ongoing Pune test, Santner picked up seven wickets to bowl India out for 156, thereby giving New Zealand a 103-run lead. Ravindra Jadeja top-scored for India with 38 while Shubman Gill (30) and Yashasvi Jiaswal (30) were the only other players to make a useful contribution. A win in this Test will give the Blackcaps their maiden series win in India.

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